Eight to evaluate

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – The ones to watch tonight aren’t named Terrell, Jason or DeMarcus. The preseason opener is all about the rookies, the second-year players and guys like Sam Hurd and Bobby Carpenter, who need breakthrough seasons if they want to stick around beyond this year. Here’s eight I’ll be watching closely:

Orlando Scandrick: The fifth-round draft pick from Boise State is determined to prove his decision to leave the Broncos after his junior season wasn’t a mistake. He’s impressed the coaches with his intelligence and speed, but he’s been up and down in coverage.

Sam Hurd: After a strong start in camp, the third-year receiver from San Antonio hit the wall and dropped too many passes. Still, he seems to have a leg up on Miles Austin in the battle for the No. 3 spot. He can solidify his standing with a solid preseason performance.

Bobby Carpenter: The 18th pick of the 2006 draft has raised eyebrows with his tenacious play in camp. But as linebackers coach Reggie Herring put it, Carpenter needs to show he can do it when the “bullets are flying.”

Marcus Spears: His willingness to move from defensive end to nose tackle without complaint is admirable, but he’s had his hands full trying to stand up two-time Pro Bowl center Andre Gurode.

Courtney Brown: He showed off his coverage skills in camp, but doubts still exist about whether he’s physical enough to play safety after playing cornerback at Cal Poly.

Danny Amendola: The undrafted rookie receiver from Texas Tech has fans in Terrell Owens and Tony Romo, but he still needs to prove he can get the job done in the preseason. He should get plenty of opportunities tonight both as a wideout and a punt returner.

Evan Oglesby: The journeyman corner from North Alabama leads the team in training camp interceptions, but can he do it when it counts?

Joe Berger: The 6-foot-5, 311-pound Michigan Tech alumnus could push left guard Kyle Kosier out of the starting lineup with a stellar preseason.